News

Suspended Enigie: ‘It’s Abominable For Individual To Interfere In Age-long Customary Arbitration’ – BTC Cautions Obaseki

Published

2 years ago

May 22, 2024

Editor

Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has cautioned Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State to stir clear on his acclaimed move to resolve the misunderstanding between Oba of Benin and some suspended enigie (dukes).

Recall that some enigie had dragged the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II and the state government to court over their suspension.

The Enigie argument is that the Oba does not have the power to suspend them without the consent of the state executive council and Governor Obaseki.

Obaseki, in one of visits to one of the suspended enigie in the crisis, Professor Gregory Akenzua, said he would visit the Iyase (Prime Minister) of Benin to initiate the reconciliation process.

But the BTC in a strong-worded statement dated May 22, 2024, said it was an abomination for any individual to seek to interfere with the age-long and well-established process of customary arbitration of the kingdom which they expected those involved to explore.

The statement was signed by prominent Benin chiefs including: Osuma of Benin, Chief Norense Ozigbo-Esere; Oliha of Benin, Chief Edionwe Oliha; Aiwerioghene of Benin, Chief Henry Osato Bazuaye; Uwangue of Benin, Chief Ekhoerovbiye Oviasogie and Eribo of Benin, Chief Ada Igbinovia.

Others are Esere of Benin, Chief Stanley Obamwonyi; Obazelu of Benin, Chief Osaro Idah; Ine of Benin, Chief Okuonghae Edomwandagbon and Obahiagbon of Benin, Chief David Aibiokun Ehondor.

The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to the reported plan by the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency,Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to initiate dispute resolution of the suit filed by two suspended Enigie against His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo,Oba of Benin.

“Our attention has also been drawn to a Press Statement credited to the Honourable Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Edo State, Mr. Chris Nehikhare in which he claims that the suit filed by the Enigie is a family dispute within the Benin Royal Family.

“We wish to state for the avoidance of doubt that the Benin Traditional Institution has a well-established and fully functional process of customary arbitration under the authority of His Royal Majesty, The Oba of Benin. This process of customary arbitration is well-known to all Benin traditional chiefs, including the suspended Enigie. Any traditional chief who has any genuine cause to be aggrieved is at liberty to explore this customary arbitration process. It is therefore an abomination for any individual to seek to interfere with this age-long and well-established process of customary arbitration.

“We also wish to emphasize that His Royal Majesty, The Oba of Benin reigns over the Benin Kingdom as the spiritual and royal father of the Benin people irrespective of family status, age and office.

“Consequently, it is an affront for anyone to suggest that His Royal Majesty, The Oba of Benin is in dispute with those over whom he reigns, including members of the Royal Family.

“We admonish members of the general public to be wary of the abominable efforts to undermine the Benin Traditional Institution through deliberate acts and utterances which are calculated to create confusion.

“We appeal to members of the general public to remain law-abiding, and pray for peace to continue to reign in the Benin Kingdom.”

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

1 hour ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.